Clock Napoleon III Wood, Ceramic - 1850-1900 - Bull's Eye






Master marquetry craftswoman with 4 years' expert experience. Trainee auctioneer at Sotheby's Paris.
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French wall clock from the mid- to late 19th century in Napoléon III style, with a wooden case and ceramic dial, quartz movement with long power reserve, and quarter striking on multiple bells and gongs; in good used condition and working, measuring 62 cm high by 46 cm wide by 15 cm deep and weighing 1 kg, with the note “Ojo de Buey.”
Description from the seller
It is a clock that preserves all the decorative presence of the 19th century, very close to the models known as Bull’s-Eye, with that rounded, enveloping structure that frames the dial as if it were a classic window. The front marquetry, worked with vegetal motifs and soft curves, maintains the artisanal character of the era: warm wood, carved and assembled with that attention to detail that defined domestic clockmaking in the nineteenth century.
The original 19th-century dial remains the soul of the piece. The Roman numerals on oval plates, the gilded surround, and the stylized hands preserve the historical aesthetics, that blend of sobriety and elegance that made these clocks objects as functional as they were ornamental. The light background, slightly patinated by time, reinforces the authenticity of the whole.
During the refurbishment in the 20th century, the original mechanism was replaced by a quartz system, a common intervention to ensure accuracy and everyday use without renouncing the old image. This update, discreet and respectful, allows the clock to operate reliably while maintaining its aesthetic identity intact.
The result is a hybrid piece in the best sense: historic appearance, modern operation, and a decorative presence that remains as attractive as in its origin. A clock that combines memory, craftsmanship, and practicality, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of the past without giving up the convenience of the present.
Certified shipping and proper packaging.
Seller's Story
It is a clock that preserves all the decorative presence of the 19th century, very close to the models known as Bull’s-Eye, with that rounded, enveloping structure that frames the dial as if it were a classic window. The front marquetry, worked with vegetal motifs and soft curves, maintains the artisanal character of the era: warm wood, carved and assembled with that attention to detail that defined domestic clockmaking in the nineteenth century.
The original 19th-century dial remains the soul of the piece. The Roman numerals on oval plates, the gilded surround, and the stylized hands preserve the historical aesthetics, that blend of sobriety and elegance that made these clocks objects as functional as they were ornamental. The light background, slightly patinated by time, reinforces the authenticity of the whole.
During the refurbishment in the 20th century, the original mechanism was replaced by a quartz system, a common intervention to ensure accuracy and everyday use without renouncing the old image. This update, discreet and respectful, allows the clock to operate reliably while maintaining its aesthetic identity intact.
The result is a hybrid piece in the best sense: historic appearance, modern operation, and a decorative presence that remains as attractive as in its origin. A clock that combines memory, craftsmanship, and practicality, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of the past without giving up the convenience of the present.
Certified shipping and proper packaging.
